Obituaries

Shirley Frances Shannon

April 08, 1929 - October 16, 2023

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Obituary For Shirley Frances Shannon

With heavy hearts, we announce that Shirley Frances Shannon passed away Monday, October 16, 2023, at the age of 94 years. Fortunately, she went peacefully, surrounded by those with whom she shared her laughter, love and life.

Shirley was born April 8, 1929, in Sexsmith, AB to Jennie and Hiram McQuitty. She was the fourth eldest of five siblings, including one older brother, two older sisters and one younger sister. Shirley became the tomboy of her sisters, spending much of her time outside doing farm chores with her brother, and tending to the animals. She could often be found atop her beloved horse, Major.

It was in the ninth grade that Shirley met the love of her life, Danny Shannon. Shirley and Danny were fast friends, spending many nights jiving at the Webster Hall. Their relationship soon flourished into a very special love. Soulmates and best friends made for an electric pair.

Shirley and Danny were married in 1950 and were blessed with 66 years of marriage during their 73 years together. They shared a passion for travel and spent much of their lives spanning the globe. They eventually spent fifteen years living as snowbirds, escaping to Arizona during the cold winter months.

It was during her retirement that Shirley’s artistic side began to flourish. She spent many hours creating a large collection of paintings as well as sewing stylish outfits. If Shirley wasn’t going to sew it, she was going to buy it - she had a great love of shopping and Danny was always ready for a fashion show. Shirley loved to cook and bake for her family and was always found in the kitchen with a smile.

Shirley was a classy lady, never a hair out of place or a bad word spoken about anyone. She lived her life to the fullest, as she knew how important it was to appreciate everything that life had to give.

The extraordinary bond Shirley and Danny shared was the foundation for their ever-growing family. Shirley’s children, Terri Lynn, James (Jim) Robert, Cindy Lou and Lori Ann are her proudest accomplishments. Family continued to reign as the most important aspect of Shirley’s life, felt by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members and numerous friends.

Shirley is survived by her Daughter Terri Lynn (Lloyd) Ireland; grandson Bradley (Cecille) Ireland and great-grandchildren Lauryn and Kingston; grandson Riley Ireland (Shannon Batyski) and great-grandchildren Zachary, Alicia, and Faith. Son Jim (Karen) Shannon; grandson Josh (Chantelle) Shannon and great-grandchild Brodi. Daughter Cindy (Donald) Hollingworth; grandson Dustin Hollingworth and great-grandchildren Eva, Reece and William; granddaughter Jessica Hogg and great-grandchildren Shaye, Jock, Kolt and Lola; granddaughter Kirby (Rob) Takala and great-grandchildren Maverick and Decker. Daughter Lori (Mitch) Koll and grandchildren Taylor Mulder, and Bailey Koll (Brayden). She is also survived by her sisters Dorothy (Doadie) Arac and Jeannette Bickell.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband Daniel Shannon, her parents Jennie and Hiram McQuitty, mother and father-in-law William and Pearl Shannon, brother and sister-in-law Stan and Shirley McQuitty, sister and brother-in-law Marian (Mamie) and Harold Steinke, brothers-in-law Jim Fletcher, Danny Arac and Robert Bickell, and granddaughter Abby Koll.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Santodomingo-Garzen, Dr. Keegan, Dr. Mackenzie, Dr. Mizzua, Dr Advani and Dr. Afridi. A special thank you to Unit 23 Manager Amanda, as well as all the nursing and support staff of Unit 23. They meant a lot to Shirley. Their dedication and efforts to provide quality care over the last several months were heartwarming and a blessing to the entire family.

We thank God for the gift of Shirley’s life and feel blessed to have been touched by a soul so special. We love you and will miss and cherish you every day.

There will be a family viewing on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 7:00 pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave).

A Funeral for the late Shirley Frances Shannon, will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 10:00 am, at Oliver’s Funeral Home.

A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Shirley’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.

If so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Shannon Municipal Library in Sexsmith, AB (9917 99 Ave, Sexsmith, AB, T0H 3C0).

Services

21 Oct

Memorial Service

10:00 AM

Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium 10005 107 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V1L8 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • October 20, 2023

    To all the family of Shirley Shannon I extend my sincerest condolences. She is all the tributes told in her obituary. You will have many memories of her talented gifts, especially most recent artistic ability shown in the many paintings on the walls in her suite at WRM. I was in awe. God bless you all knowing well her love for you, and peace in your hearts that she no longer suffers her illness. She handled it with grace. Regards, Janet Ophus

  • October 19, 2023

    To Lori, Cindy, Jim, Terri Lynn & your families Our deepest condolences on the loss of your mom. We hope that your memories of her will bring you comfort and peace at this difficult time. Jill & Rob Skuse

  • October 19, 2023

    To all the family Shirley was such a caring and wonderful lady. Our moms shared any good times together. Hope all your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.

  • October 18, 2023

    My deepest condolences to Shirley's family I had the pleasure of meeting Shirley while on unit 23 she always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. Lori I can imagine how much you and your family are going to miss such an amazing lady. Hugs to all

  • October 18, 2023

    Dear Jeannette & Dorothy - my sincere sympathy to you and all the family following the loss of Shirley. You will miss her so much, but will have many lovely memories to keep her alive in your hearts. She was a lovely person. My thoughts are with you.... Janet (Moen) Jones.

Tributes

  • 2 TREES

    Diane steinke planted 2 trees in memory of Shirley Frances Shannon . - October 18, 2023

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To view the livestream of Sandra Van Schaick (Saturday at 11:00 am) or Glenn Kochendorfer (Monday at 2:00 pm) visit https://www.facebook.com/olivers.funeral.home/

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